UK: Jaguar Land Rover emphasises importance of cross-party political work

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) says it is important to work with all political bodies following a request from the UK opposition Labour Party for the automaker's executive director, Mike Wright, to produce an in-depth review of Britain's manufacturing supply chain.

"He [Wright] has been chosen because he has worked in the car industry with vast experience," a JLR spokesman told just-auto.

"Whatever government it is, has placed an emphasis on manufacturing and engineering and we work hand in hand with them and other bodies such as the SMMT to talk about skills and engineering. We are creating value and creating jobs."

Wright has been tasked with submitting an independent report on ways to support innovative, high value, high-technology manufacturing and related industries in the UK.

"A credible and long term industrial strategy is important for the ongoing health of the UK manufacturing base and the wider UK economy," said Wright.

"It is important business works with the Government and all political parties to ensure the requirements for a successful industrial policy are understood and acted upon."

The UK's political party conference season is currently in full swing with many automakers - JLR included - as well as the British Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) - attending all major rallies around the country.

JLR's increasing importance in the UK manufacturing landscape, not to mention its major hiring of new employees, has not gone unnoticed by the current British government.

"When we went to Frankfurt [motor show] and announced 1,700 jobs and GBP1.5bn (US$2.4bn) investment, the Prime Minister quoted that on the day, which was great," said the JLR spokesman. "The government appreciates how important JLR is."

The JLR executive director also stressed the importance of a successful industrial policy that went "beyond electoral cycles" and often across political boundaries.

P.S: If you liked this article, you might enjoy the just-auto newsletter.
Receive our latest content delivered right to your inbox.

You are agreeing for just-auto.com to send you newsletters and/or other information about our products and services that are relevant to you by email.
Clicking above tells us that you're OK with both this and with our privacy policy, terms and conditions and cookie policy.
You can opt out of individual newsletters or contact methods at any time in the 'Your Account' area.